Month: February 2020

Church Jumps in to Support Families in Need During Banking Crisis

Posted on February 17, 2020 by - Because of the GLS, Church, Church & Faith-Based, Europe, Leading Organizations, Nonprofit, Servant Leadership, Stories

Hands with passing heart

I grew up in Iceland and became a pastor at the age of 21. I love working with people and seeing them grow into God´s plan for their lives. I also love to think outside the box, implement needed change and start up projects that bring the church further in its mission.

But as a young leader, I knew I had shortcomings and a lack of training. So, when I first heard about The Global Leadership Summit, I thought it would really help me. I loved it. I’ve come back almost every year since for about ten years now.

At the time, charity work was almost non-existent in my church.

There is so much to learn—I realized most leaders are dealing with similar issues. Attending the GLS, I have been challenged to do more, work harder and dream bigger, but also to take care of myself, rest and be healthier both physically and spiritually. The result has had a ripple effect in my community and even the world!

One of the things that struck me early on in my interactions with the Global Leadership Network was the teaching and inspiration I received about charity work in the church. At the time, charity work was almost non-existent in my church.

As I was reflecting and praying about what I heard, an idea came to me. What if our church started a secondhand charity market? This thought really caught me.

Secondhand market in Iceland

 

I decided to go ahead and speak to my church board about it. Everyone on the board supported the idea! Within two weeks, we had borrowed and empty commercial space, and people at the church emptied their storage spaces to give stuff away to sell. Volunteers stepped up to help as well, and in the first month, I was excited by how well we did! This in and of itself was great, but it also happened to be during the great banking crisis of 2008, so a lot of people were struggling to make ends meet—the help the church provided came at a very good time. We were able to give all the income away either to local charities or to help those in need in our community by giving them pre-paid cards to buy groceries. We’ve been able to support hundreds of families this way!

What started ten years ago is still going strong—we are giving away significant amounts of money every year, both here in Iceland as well as internationally. One of the locations is in a country called Burkina Faso in Africa where we support a school project.

School in Burkina Faso

I would encourage every leader to go to the Summit to get inspired, encouraged and to improve their leadership skills. You never know what will happen in your sphere of influence as a result!

A Prayer and a Practice to Guard Your Heart

Posted on February 11, 2020 by - Articles, Character, Leading Yourself, Servant Leadership

Diverse people sitting in circle holding hands at group therapy session, religious christian team pray together for recovery give psychological support, counseling training trust concept, close up

If I’ve learned anything about leadership over the last four decades, it’s this: 

Most people have an incomplete and therefore inaccurate view of leadership.

To make matters worse, I have contributed to the confusion!  

My first book, The Secret, co-authored with Ken Blanchard, was an attempt to codify the fundamental skills all leaders need. The book was well received because it outlined what great leaders do.  

Twenty years later, much of modern leadership content is still focused on the same theme, the “how to” genre. This is good because men and women certainly need the skills to lead, but they need much more to create and sustain success. Most leaders who struggle and the majority who fail, do not do so due to lack of skills; something else is their ultimate undoing.  

 Great leadership requires both heart and hands.

Let’s go back to the initial work our team did over 20 years ago. We rediscovered an ancient truth: leadership is like an iceberg. The 10% above the waterline represents the skills of the leader; the 90% below the waterline represents the character or heart of the leader.  

A beautiful picture of this can be found in the book of Psalms when describing the leadership of King David. “David shepherded his people with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” Psalm 78:72 

Great leadership requires both heart and hands! 

Unfortunately, our world has over-indexed on the part that is easier to observe—the skills. But, here’s the truth: If your heart is not right, no one cares about your skills. 

But wait. What if my heart is not right? That’s a fantastic question and one that transcends the confines of this blog post.  

However, I’ll offer a prayer and a practice that can begin to transform your heart for good. 

PRAYER–Ask God to change your heart.  

He can do it! If you want a biblical illustration of God changing a leader’s heart, consider the story told in 1 Samuel 9 – 10. Saul had just been anointed king and then… “As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart.” 

PRACTICE–Begin the hard work of cultivating a “Think Others First” mindset.  

Servant leaders don’t think less of themselves; they just think of themselves less often. Here’s a simple, potentially life-altering, tactic to battle the gravitational pull of self and shift your orientation:  

Begin the hard work of cultivating a “Think Others First” mindset.

Try adding value to everyone you meet.  

Impossible? Sure, but it is the effort that changes us. If you are attempting to add value to someone else, you’ve shifted your focus from yourself. Do this consistently and you’ll notice a real change of heart! 

Not long ago, I was asked about the best leadership advice I ever received. Here it is:  

“Above all else, guard your heart, everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 

Reaching the Finish Line Through Fear, Failure and Faith

Posted on February 10, 2020 by - Because of the GLS, Calling, Eastern Europe, Education, Europe, Leading Yourself, Stories

Runners from above

I was brought up in an orphanage in Kazakhstan. When I left as a teenager, I faced many difficulties. I had neither financial support nor people close to me to go to.

It was hard, but I studied to be a cook, and after graduation, I settled in the orphanage I grew up in and worked there until it closed. After it closed, I decided to try to study finance. It was not easy; I was a single mom and had two little kids to take care of by myself. But I was determined and was able to graduate with honors!

I asked God, help me find myself. I want to do your will. I want you to lead me.

I found a job in a large trading network and ended up becoming deputy director. But when I had the opportunity to continue to move up the career ladder, I stopped—I decided to leave! I wanted something more. I wanted to help people.

I asked God, help me find myself. I want to do your will. I want you to lead me.

He did not immediately answer. But in a strange way, the answer began to reveal itself. I went back to college and am now in my second year as a student to be a psychologist and teacher.

Imamalieva Lyubov Borisovna mentoring childWhen I started working with children, I fluttered like a butterfly and fell in love with these kids.

So, I decided I wanted to open-up my own small children’s development center for special needs children. But I developed so much fear I could hardly sleep at night. I felt like I did not have enough experience to move forward. I had no confidence. I thought, where am I going? What am I doing?!

Then some friends told me about The Global Leadership Summit taking place in Kazakhstan in November 2019. After I gathered my thoughts, I finally decided to give it a try even though I didn’t quite understand what I was about to get myself into.

Nothing happens on accident.

I learned a lot! I was amazed by Bear Grylls talk. He spoke so simply. And as he spoke, it felt like he was talking about me. I felt pain as I reflected on what I’ve been through growing up. A lump gradually gathered in my throat. I realized I wanted to live, not just exist! So, I set a goal for myself. I’ve always dreamed of being a psychologist, working with children growing up in difficult situations, but this path has not been easy.

Imamalieva Lyubov Borisovna with childrenBut being at the Summit, I gained confidence that I was going in the right direction! Now I understand that without failure, without fear, without faith– you won’t get to the finish line! I trust in the Lord. I follow this path, asking Him for help along the way.

I do not regret a second that I attended this Summit! I’m so glad this exists! The Summit helps people leave their comfort zone, believe in themselves and act in the name of the Lord!

Chris Voss and Shelia Heen Live on May 5

Posted on February 6, 2020 by - News & Updates, North America

While The Global Leadership Summit is two days of fresh, actionable leadership content designed to ignite transformation, the GLSnext Event Series are strategically positioned throughout the year to inspire continued growth. Additionally, GLSnext Events will include time for discussion and a Q&A session.

 

https://youtu.be/i4tyIlJ51bg?rel=0

 

Invite your team and get ready for the next GLSnext Event Series with Chris Voss and Sheila Heen on Tuesday, May 5th, 2020. You’ll also have an opportunity for Q&A with the speakers and discussion time among your team or like-minded peers. Available for U.S. and Canadian Audiences only. 

 

 

click here to learn more